Staff Reporter.
A stunning strike from midfielder Kevin De Bruyne helped Manchester City to a 1-0 win over Chelsea on Saturday as Pep Guardiola’s side increased their gap at the top of the Premier League table to 13 points.
City dominated for much of the clash at the Etihad Stadium before breaking the deadlock on 70 minutes through a superb curled effort from De Bruyne on the edge of Chelsea’s 18-yard-box.
Saturday’s result means City, who have 56 points after 22 games in the Premier League, have now won their last 12 league matches, extending their lead over second-place Chelsea.
City deserved the win for their greater urgency and possession, Kepa keeping out Jack Grealish with a first-half save, and this represents another significant stride in their quest to retain the Premier League crown.
In a game of this nature, fought out by two well-disciplined sides led by elite managers in Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel, it always seemed likely a mistake or a moment of the highest quality would settle it.
And so it proved as De Bruyne created and finished the decisive move all on his own as City and Chelsea strived to make the breakthrough.
City had not been able to impose sustained threat on Chelsea, despite having so much possession, but they have the calibre of player who can fashion a goal out of nothing.
On this occasion, it was De Bruyne who stepped up, running deep into Chelsea territory in the 70th minute before curling a perfect low right-foot finish before the outstretched left arm of Kepa and into the bottom corner.
Etihad Stadium celebrated in a fashion fitting for a moment of such class and importance and these three points once again give the impression that City’s lead in the title race is pretty much unassailable.
Guardiola has stars at the other end too and keeper Ederson played his part with a vital save from Lukaku when he was clean through. He also brought fist pumps and wild applause from his manager when he raced out of the area to head clear and snuff out Chelsea danger late on.
City closed out the win without any serious alarms, Guardiola and his team striking a huge blow as they try to see off the chasing pack – which is effectively Chelsea and Liverpool – at the top of the Premier League.
City have now recorded 13 clean sheets in the Premier League this season, three more than the second-best Liverpool (10).